2014 NFL Combine: 5 Great Moments

As we reach the end of the NFL combine it's time to look back on some of the highlights. There was a great deal of excitement and some definite star power. Records were approached (Chris Johnson sweated it out over his 40 yard dash time) and there was some controversy (no surprise with Johnny Manziel around). Here we go, the top 5 moments of the 2014 combine, in my humble opinion of course.

One of the most talked about moments of the combine was the unveiling of Jadeveon Clowney's 40 yard dash time. Clowney is a defensive end formerly of South Carolina though he may project to a pass rushing outside linebacker at the next level. (Check here for an in depth profile of Clowney.) This is important because his 40 time (4.53 official time) was faster than most wide receivers. This is a nightmare for opposing quarterback as the only one in the NFL since 2006 to post a faster 40 yard dash time was RG3. For those wondering just how fast this near 270 pounder looked, check this out:

Another moment that was on the minds of many people watching or attending the combine was the interview with Michael Sam the DE from Missouri. As the first openly gay NFL hopeful it would be easy to shrink from the moment, but instead Sam shined. He seems like he is mentally prepared both in the football sense and also when it comes to dealing with the ignorance that will crop up around him. Although this was not an athletic performance, it will be very important to the future of football.

Johnny Manziel, the well known former A& M QB had a very strong showing overall at the combine. This was highlighted by an official 40 yard dash time of 4.68 although he ran an unofficial 4.56. He also posted stellar times in the short shuttle (4.03) and the three cone drill (6.75). All of those numbers are very nice, but nobody has ever said that Manziel wasn't mobile. I still do not believe that he will be an elite NFL quarterback, but enough people disagree for him to be taken early in the first round.

Dri Archer, former Kent State running back approached Chris Johnson's combine record 40 yard dash time. Johnson ran a 4.24 for his record time and Archer ended up with an official time of 4.26. Of course Johnson was also blessed with elite instincts and vision, making him the total package for a running back. Archer is not as highly touted, but with that kind of speed he will have plenty of teams interested in acquiring his services. Here is a look at just how fast Archer is, without pads of course:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtaIutUfRyA

Then there was Adam Muema (former San Diego State Running Back and borderline prospect). He left the combine early because he said that God told him he would be drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. I am certainly not one to criticize the religious beliefs of others, but he had better hope that God was in touch with the Seahawks as well. Seattle already has a stable of recognized talent at running back so he would be a surprise choice but stranger things have happened. If nothing else, Muema set Twitter afire with his decision.

It was another exciting combine and now it's time to look forward to the NFL Draft, the BIG event. These were my five favorite stories from the combine, let me know what you enjoyed in the comments section. If you missed it check out my analysis of combine performances:

About Brendan Cole

Brendan is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a concentration in journalism. He is a lifelong sports fan who is currently molding his two sons to follow in his footsteps. Follow him on Twitter

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